How to know when its time to hire a tutor for your child

We all want our children to excel and be happy at school, and a tutor can help your child to progress in their learning, but when should you consider hiring one? We’ve put together this post to help you decide whether your child may benefit from regular tutoring.

All children can benefit from tutoring

Many have the misconception that parents only hire a tutor for their children if they are struggling with their schoolwork, although this isn’t always the case. Children who are academically on par with their peers or even surpassing them can benefit from a tutor. A tutor can present the child with challenging and stimulating activities that can expand their way of thinking and advance their knowledge and skills further. A tutor can personalise the learning to suit the child to bring out the best in them and help them to reach their full potential.

How do I know if my child needs a tutor or not?

Here are some signs that your child may need a tutor:

1. Your child falling behind, finding it hard to work at the same pace as the class, slipping grades, or poor marks are all signs that your child needs more help with their work.
2. Their teacher has had discussions with you about where they are at in terms of their learning and has raised concerns about it.
3. Your child does not like going to school or are pretending to be sick when they have tests or assessments due.
4. Changes in their behaviour and avoiding set work outside of school such as homework.
5. If your child has learning difficulties. When children have learning or behaviour difficulties, it can be hard for them to focus and complete tasks at the best of times. One on one tutoring can help your child stay on track with their peers. Tutors with experience in this area can explain, demonstrate, and provide concepts in a language that they understand to make learning easier.
6. Families are busy, parents are working longer than ever, and this sometimes doesn’t leave enough time in the day for extra stuff such as homework and assessments. This is where a tutor can step in and take away the stress by providing quality teaching at a time that suits all.

As a parent sometimes it can be hard to determine if your child needs assistance with their learning. The way best way to know is by speaking with their teacher. They can explain to you how they work in the class and how they are going academically. From the information gathered, you can make a sound decision on whether a tutor is a good idea or not.

What age is best to start tutoring?

There isn’t a one size fits all approach to tutoring. Every child is unique and learns in different ways and at various paces. There is never a bad time to start tutoring but, children who have a tutor from a young age and right up until they finish high school can benefit the most overall. However, even children heading towards their last years of high school can advance their skills and learning by working with a tutor.

How often should my child have a tutor?

For your child to reap the biggest advantages that tutoring can bring, the sessions must be consistent. When it comes to the number of sessions they should have, that comes down to your child and how much work they need help with. Ideally, two 1.5 – 2-hour tutoring sessions a week or 3-4 30-minute sessions are recommended.

Tutors assist in many ways, including helping children who:

1. Want to thrive at school and achieve the highest grades and level of learning possible. Students who are in their senior years and have specialised courses can greatly benefit from tutoring that focuses on their subjects of choice. This can help them put their best foot forward when it comes to assignments and exams.
2. Are looking to maintain the level of learning that they have. Often students come to us, and they are lagging only to catch up in no time. From here, students can manage their work and even transition into a higher level of learning with tutoring regularly.
3. Having difficulties with academic tasks is often the most common reason parents and caregivers seek out a tutor for their children. Tutors are skilled professionals and can quickly recognise gaps in a child’s learning and will work closely with them to get them back on track and where they need to be.

Like us adults, children are complex creatures, and many factors can affect their ability to learn sufficiently. It is always a good idea to delve deeper into why your child may need tutoring if they are falling behind. Is it external factors? Disruption to their everyday routine? Poor concentration? Bullying? When there is a triggering factor and you address it, this can have a positive effect on many areas, their learning included.

If you’re looking for a tutor that takes a holistic approach to learning and tailors it to your child, then contact our friendly team here at Stress Less tutoring. We service both the Gold Coast and Brisbane and would love to help your child on the path to success. Contact us today for more information or check out our website.